US5379140A - Goggles having microlenses and display element - Google Patents

Goggles having microlenses and display element Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US5379140A
US5379140A US08/253,344 US25334494A US5379140A US 5379140 A US5379140 A US 5379140A US 25334494 A US25334494 A US 25334494A US 5379140 A US5379140 A US 5379140A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
layer
goggles
micro
electric field
transparent
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
US08/253,344
Inventor
Claude Michel
Jean-Pierre Le Pesant
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Thales SA
Original Assignee
Thomson CSF SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Thomson CSF SA filed Critical Thomson CSF SA
Priority to US08/253,344 priority Critical patent/US5379140A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US5379140A publication Critical patent/US5379140A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G02OPTICS
    • G02BOPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B27/00Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups G02B1/00 - G02B26/00, G02B30/00
    • G02B27/01Head-up displays
    • G02B27/017Head mounted
    • G02B27/0172Head mounted characterised by optical features
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41WEAPONS
    • F41GWEAPON SIGHTS; AIMING
    • F41G3/00Aiming or laying means
    • F41G3/14Indirect aiming means
    • F41G3/16Sighting devices adapted for indirect laying of fire
    • F41G3/165Sighting devices adapted for indirect laying of fire using a TV-monitor
    • GPHYSICS
    • G02OPTICS
    • G02BOPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B27/00Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups G02B1/00 - G02B26/00, G02B30/00
    • G02B27/01Head-up displays
    • G02B27/017Head mounted
    • GPHYSICS
    • G02OPTICS
    • G02BOPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B27/00Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups G02B1/00 - G02B26/00, G02B30/00
    • G02B27/01Head-up displays
    • G02B27/017Head mounted
    • G02B27/0176Head mounted characterised by mechanical features
    • GPHYSICS
    • G02OPTICS
    • G02BOPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B27/00Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups G02B1/00 - G02B26/00, G02B30/00
    • G02B27/32Fiducial marks and measuring scales within the optical system
    • GPHYSICS
    • G02OPTICS
    • G02FOPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/13Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
    • G02F1/133Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
    • G02F1/1333Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
    • GPHYSICS
    • G02OPTICS
    • G02FOPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/13Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
    • G02F1/133Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
    • G02F1/1333Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
    • G02F1/1334Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods based on polymer dispersed liquid crystals, e.g. microencapsulated liquid crystals
    • GPHYSICS
    • G02OPTICS
    • G02FOPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/13Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
    • G02F1/133Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
    • G02F1/1333Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
    • G02F1/1347Arrangement of liquid crystal layers or cells in which the final condition of one light beam is achieved by the addition of the effects of two or more layers or cells
    • GPHYSICS
    • G02OPTICS
    • G02FOPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/29Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the position or the direction of light beams, i.e. deflection
    • GPHYSICS
    • G02OPTICS
    • G02BOPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B27/00Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups G02B1/00 - G02B26/00, G02B30/00
    • G02B27/01Head-up displays
    • G02B27/0101Head-up displays characterised by optical features
    • G02B2027/0132Head-up displays characterised by optical features comprising binocular systems
    • GPHYSICS
    • G02OPTICS
    • G02BOPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B27/00Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups G02B1/00 - G02B26/00, G02B30/00
    • G02B27/01Head-up displays
    • G02B27/0101Head-up displays characterised by optical features
    • G02B2027/0138Head-up displays characterised by optical features comprising image capture systems, e.g. camera
    • GPHYSICS
    • G02OPTICS
    • G02BOPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B27/00Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups G02B1/00 - G02B26/00, G02B30/00
    • G02B27/01Head-up displays
    • G02B27/0101Head-up displays characterised by optical features
    • G02B2027/014Head-up displays characterised by optical features comprising information/image processing systems
    • GPHYSICS
    • G02OPTICS
    • G02BOPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B27/00Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups G02B1/00 - G02B26/00, G02B30/00
    • G02B27/01Head-up displays
    • G02B27/017Head mounted
    • G02B2027/0178Eyeglass type
    • GPHYSICS
    • G02OPTICS
    • G02BOPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B27/00Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups G02B1/00 - G02B26/00, G02B30/00
    • G02B27/01Head-up displays
    • G02B27/0179Display position adjusting means not related to the information to be displayed
    • G02B2027/0187Display position adjusting means not related to the information to be displayed slaved to motion of at least a part of the body of the user, e.g. head, eye
    • GPHYSICS
    • G02OPTICS
    • G02BOPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B27/00Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups G02B1/00 - G02B26/00, G02B30/00
    • G02B27/01Head-up displays
    • G02B2027/0192Supplementary details
    • G02B2027/0198System for aligning or maintaining alignment of an image in a predetermined direction

Definitions

  • the invention concerns aiming devices for individual or collective weapons in which a collimated cross-hair must be aligned with the selected target.
  • the cross-hair is visible through an annular front-sight or an eyepiece attached more or less directly to the weapon.
  • the cross-hair and the annular front-sight are mounted directly on the barrel of the rifle, and the firer must hold the annular front-sight, and therefore the rifle, in the line of sight.
  • the aiming device is independent and a servo-mechanism is employed to aim the weapon at the sighted target, taking into account the range, the wind speed and direction, the type of ammunition fired and more generally all the parameters necessary for the success of the shot. With such devices, the person aiming the weapon must still look at the cross-hair aiming device through an annular front-sight mechanically linked to the aiming system.
  • the aim of the present invention is to de-couple the more or less direct mechanical link between the cross-hair aiming device and the weapon system. While being applicable to larger weapons, the invention is particularly well adapted to small arms firing at short range since it permits the permanent visualization of the weapon's aiming cross-hair. The invention aims therefore to permit what is currently called “instinctive aiming??” or "hip-shooting" while knowing the weapon's exact direction of fire and possibly its firing dispersion.
  • the firing dispersion is represented by a contour surrounding the area likely to be hit by the projectile.
  • the firing dispersion is the area of dispersal of the individual projectiles from the cartridge.
  • the invention can be used to visualize the aiming of any device carried by the wearer of goggles incorporating the invention, in particular film, video or still cameras. In such applications, it enables the display of the limits of the optical field of view of the camera. It is also possible to display virtual modifications of the scenery.
  • the invention relates first to a material which, when used as the glass of goggles, enables the display of an image, in particular a collimated cross-hair, on any part of the surface of the goggles glass, and secondly to the goggles using such a material.
  • the invention also relates, therefore, to the weapon which carries the direction sensors, whose data are transmitted, preferably by an infrared (IR) link, to a computer which also receives data relating to the firer's head position. Having calculated the correlation, all that remains is to control the display of the cross-hair in the weapon's pointing direction.
  • IR infrared
  • the invention concerns a material to be used to make the transparent glass of goggles, which consists of at least three successive thin layers, a second layer between a first and third layer, the first layer being made from a transparent material with two surfaces, one of the optical characteristics of the material being locally alterable by the application of an electric field, each of the surfaces of this first layer being equipped with a matrix network of electrodes, the third layer being made from a formable transparent polymer with two surfaces, a first and a second, between which is the material forming the layer, this material consisting of a matrix containing regularly spaced microcavities, the micro-cavities being made from a different transparent material to that of the matrix and having two refractive indexes depending on the value of the electric field applied across it (for a first electric field value the refractive index of the material in the micro-cavity is the same as that of the matrix material, and for a second electric field value the index of the material in the micro-cavity is greater than that of the matrix material), electrode
  • the first layer constitutes the display screen, the different local voltages between the electrodes of each surface of the first layer, enable the creation of an image point by point by altering the optical characteristics of the material.
  • the third layer consists of a micro-lens system which, when activated by a voltage between the electrodes on each of the surfaces of the third layer, permits the collimation of specific points of the layer making up the display screen.
  • R is the radius of the lens and f is the required focal length.
  • the computer will then calculate the display position for the cross-hair as before assuming the weapon to be held on the hip, and also the angle of elevation to be given to the weapon, as a function of the distance and the ammunition fired.
  • the elevation angle is communicated by displaying a symbol on the goggles glass.
  • FIGS. 8a and 8b show the functioning of the goggles according to the invention for hip-shooting
  • the second layer 20 has two surfaces 21, 22 and its thickness is equal to the focal length of the microlenses included in layer 30.
  • Layer 20 is made from the same polymer (or at least a polymer with the same refractive index) as the one forming layers 10 and 30.
  • Sensor 61 is a magnetometer giving the horizontal bearing or azimuth.
  • Sensor 62 is an inclination meter giving the vertical inclination of the goggles.

Abstract

Material made up of a thin layer between two surfaces, a first and a second, to be used as the third layer of a transparent goggles face, the first layer being a screen and the second layer being a thickness layer, remarkable in that the material consists of a formable transparent polymer matrix having a refractive index and containing micro-cavities in the form of lenses, the micro-cavities being made from a transparent material different from that of the matrix, the refractive index of the material of the micro-cavities changing under the influence of an electric field applied across it, for a first field value the refractive index being equal to that of the matrix, and for a second field value being greater than that of the matrix, a pair of electrodes being associated with each micro-cavity.

Description

This application is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/978,775, filed Nov. 19, 1992.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention concerns aiming devices for individual or collective weapons in which a collimated cross-hair must be aligned with the selected target.
In the current state of technology the cross-hair is visible through an annular front-sight or an eyepiece attached more or less directly to the weapon. Thus, on a rifle, the cross-hair and the annular front-sight are mounted directly on the barrel of the rifle, and the firer must hold the annular front-sight, and therefore the rifle, in the line of sight. With larger machines such as tanks, the aiming device is independent and a servo-mechanism is employed to aim the weapon at the sighted target, taking into account the range, the wind speed and direction, the type of ammunition fired and more generally all the parameters necessary for the success of the shot. With such devices, the person aiming the weapon must still look at the cross-hair aiming device through an annular front-sight mechanically linked to the aiming system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The aim of the present invention is to de-couple the more or less direct mechanical link between the cross-hair aiming device and the weapon system. While being applicable to larger weapons, the invention is particularly well adapted to small arms firing at short range since it permits the permanent visualization of the weapon's aiming cross-hair. The invention aims therefore to permit what is currently called "instinctive aiming??" or "hip-shooting" while knowing the weapon's exact direction of fire and possibly its firing dispersion.
In the case of a single projectile shot, the firing dispersion is represented by a contour surrounding the area likely to be hit by the projectile. In the case of a multiple projectile shot, such as shot-guns pellets, the firing dispersion is the area of dispersal of the individual projectiles from the cartridge.
The device according to the invention can also permit, in certain embodiments, the protection of the firer's eyes against chemical or laser attacks.
In civil applications the invention can be used to visualize the aiming of any device carried by the wearer of goggles incorporating the invention, in particular film, video or still cameras. In such applications, it enables the display of the limits of the optical field of view of the camera. It is also possible to display virtual modifications of the scenery.
The invention relates first to a material which, when used as the glass of goggles, enables the display of an image, in particular a collimated cross-hair, on any part of the surface of the goggles glass, and secondly to the goggles using such a material.
When a firer wears such goggles, he has only to know the direction in which his weapon is aiming, and the direction in which his head is facing in order to be able to correlate the two using a computer and display the weapon's direction on the glass of the goggles.
The invention also relates, therefore, to the weapon which carries the direction sensors, whose data are transmitted, preferably by an infrared (IR) link, to a computer which also receives data relating to the firer's head position. Having calculated the correlation, all that remains is to control the display of the cross-hair in the weapon's pointing direction.
For all these purposes, the invention concerns a material to be used to make the transparent glass of goggles, which consists of at least three successive thin layers, a second layer between a first and third layer, the first layer being made from a transparent material with two surfaces, one of the optical characteristics of the material being locally alterable by the application of an electric field, each of the surfaces of this first layer being equipped with a matrix network of electrodes, the third layer being made from a formable transparent polymer with two surfaces, a first and a second, between which is the material forming the layer, this material consisting of a matrix containing regularly spaced microcavities, the micro-cavities being made from a different transparent material to that of the matrix and having two refractive indexes depending on the value of the electric field applied across it (for a first electric field value the refractive index of the material in the micro-cavity is the same as that of the matrix material, and for a second electric field value the index of the material in the micro-cavity is greater than that of the matrix material), electrodes being associated with each microcavity in order to enable the modification of the electric field in the micro-cavity, and finally the second layer being a thick transparent layer with the same refractive index as the first layer and as the matrix of the third layer.
The first layer constitutes the display screen, the different local voltages between the electrodes of each surface of the first layer, enable the creation of an image point by point by altering the optical characteristics of the material.
The third layer consists of a micro-lens system which, when activated by a voltage between the electrodes on each of the surfaces of the third layer, permits the collimation of specific points of the layer making up the display screen.
The display screen itself may be advantageously made, according to the invention, using liquid crystals confined between two lightweight formable polymer films resistant to physical shocks. Classic liquid crystals of the nematic helix type may be used: these are of low cost but necessitate the use of polarizers, which implies an incident light absorption of greater than 50% of its intensity.
Other liquid crystals such as chiral smectics may be used. These offer the advantage of faster switching, a bistable effect (memory), and use in very low thicknesses which avoids the problems of parallax and depth of field of the micro-lenses. However, these crystals too require polarizers.
A preferred embodiment of the first layer consists in using liquid crystals dispersed in a polymer matrix, in the form of fine droplets (whose size is of the order of a micron) in which the liquid crystals can be electrically switched between two states. Such dispersions are known to persons skilled in the art. In one of these states, the refractive index is equal to that of the polymer matrix and the whole layer is therefore transparent. In the other state the refractive index is different from that of the polymer matrix which results in the diffusion of the incident light. In the current state of the art, the liquid crystal molecules automatically align themselves parallel to the walls of the droplets so that the sheet containing the droplets is transparent in an electric field, and diffuses when no electric field is applied. By electric switching, the controlled points become diffusing, on a transparent background which allows ambient light to pass, for example light coming from the landscape which is to be viewed simultaneously. The decisive advantage of such a solution is that it does not require polarizers and therefore permits higher levels of transmission.
To increase the contrast of points in the display, pleochroic absorbant colorants which align themselves parallel to the liquid crystals, and thereby follow their orientations controlled by the electric field, are dissolved in the droplets of liquid crystal before their dispersion in the polymer matrix.
The colorants absorb light strongly when they are in an unaligned state, but are transparent when aligned. By this method, black points on a transparent background are obtained. The existence and dissolving of these colorants is known to persons skilled in the art.
In a preferred embodiment, the third layer is made from a transparent, formable polymer material having two half-layers, a first and a second, each half-layer having two surfaces, one smooth the other pitted with microcavities, the pitted surfaces of each of the half-layers facing each other so that each micro-cavity of one is opposite a micro-cavity of the other and the microcavities thus formed contain electrodes, and are full of a liquid whose refractive index changes under the influence of an electric field, and finally the second layer being a transparent layer between the first layer and the third layer consisting of an over thickness of the half-layer of the third layer situated between the first half-layer and the first layer.
In one specific embodiment of the third layer according to the invention, the micro-lenses consist of small flattened ellipsoids, typically with a diameter of one hundred to several hundred microns, and a thickness of ten to several tens of microns, made of a lightweight material known as a "formable matrix", a polymer for example. The ellipsoids are filled with an electro-optic material whose refractive index changes under the influence of an applied electric field. According to the invention, the electro-optic material is chosen so that in one electrical control state the refractive indices are equal and in the other they are different, the refractive index of the electro-optic material being greater than that of the matrix for light waves arriving with normal or slightly oblique incidence. Thus, in the first control state, the matrix and the micro-lenses are indistinguishable to the naked eye, and there is normal vision through the transparent lens. In the second electrical control state, the refractive indexes are different, and the ellipsoids act as micro-lenses compensating for the focussing at infinity of the eye, enabling it to see the associated point on the display screen, without changing the conditions of observation of the rest of the field of vision.
To obtain a sufficient optical effect, the phase difference of light waves at the center of a micro-lens and those at its circumference must be sufficiently large to produce a very short focal length, compared with that for the plane waves from the image at infinity. This focal length must be of the order of the acceptable thickness of the goggles glass, ideally of the order of one millimeter, or at most several millimeters. In an optical system, the phase shift P is of the form:
P=R.sup.2 /2f
where R is the radius of the lens and f is the required focal length.
As a numeric example, taking R=50 μm and f=500 μm, we obtain a phase shift P of 2.5 rad. To obtain such a phase shift in the visible spectrum (wavelengths of the order of 0.5 μm) with lens thicknesses of the order of 10 μm a refractive index difference of the order of 0.02 to 0.1 between the two electrically controlled states is necessary. This is not achievable with most materials used in classical optics, but such values can currently be obtained using liquid crystals.
To ensure satisfactory compensation in the field of vision of the eye focussed at infinity, the micro-lenses must be positioned on a surface which is convex relative to the retina of the user's eye, typically on a quasi-spherical surface, so that rays coming from different directions of observation can be seen by different zones of the retina.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention the micro-lenses are included in the thickness of the polymer matrix by various production processes, and are associated with transparent electrodes which permit their electrical control. One production process consists in moulding half-cavities in the surface of two complementary sheets of polymer, which are then joined, face to face, after the induction of liquid crystal to fill the cavities. Another process involves producing a dispersion of liquid crystal in the polymer so as to have phase separation to form "globules" whose size depends in particular on the relative concentration of the constituents according to a "phase diagram" which is understood by persons skilled in the art. In this way, globules are obtained in which the liquid crystal molecules are aligned parallel to the boundary layer between the liquid crystal and the matrix polymer. By a rolling operation, the matrix polymer and the globules which it contains are flattened to give the ellipsoid shape of the micro-lenses.
The control electrodes of the micro-lenses are formed by depositing thin transparent layers (a mixture of indium oxide and tin oxide for example) using techniques based on those already known to persons skilled in the art. To electrically control the micro-lenses, advantageous use can be made of a multiplexed matrix electrode configuration.
Finally, as far as the second layer is concerned, it does not necessarily exist physically as an independent entity. This layer is a layer whose thickness must be equal to the focal length of the micro-lenses. The second layer should be made from the same material as both the first or third layer, so as to avoid reflections.
The material which has been described is used in the system according to the invention to make a goggles glass, the glass being used in the aiming system according to the invention.
In order to calculate the position of the cross-hair on the goggles glass, the goggles are equipped with means for measuring their angular line of sight. The weapon is also equipped with means for measuring the direction in which it is pointing.
The measuring means may be magnetometers, enabling a bearing to be taken relative to the earth's magnetic field in the geographic location of use. It could also be a magnetometer and an inclination meter permitting a bearing relative to the magnetic field in a vertical plane to be taken.
Inclination meters are known to persons skilled in the art. They consist of volumes which are deformable and therefore variable as a function of their inclination relative to the vertical.
The measurement means can also be three accelerometers which, at rest, indicate the direction relative to the vertical. The information from the measurement devices may be transmitted via a link to the computer. The latter calculates the position to display the cross-hair on each goggles glass, the calculation being carried out assuming the weapon to be held on the hip and the sighted target to be at a distance of 15 meters.
In a more sophisticated embodiment, the weapon contains a range finding laser whose output is transmitted to a computer.
The computer will then calculate the display position for the cross-hair as before assuming the weapon to be held on the hip, and also the angle of elevation to be given to the weapon, as a function of the distance and the ammunition fired. The elevation angle is communicated by displaying a symbol on the goggles glass.
The weapon is equipped with a designation button which, when depressed, indicates to the computer that the target aligned with the cross-hair is the sighted target. The direction in which the symbol is pointing is maintained and the aiming is achieved by bringing the cross-hair into coincidence with the symbol.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A specific embodiment will now be described, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a material permitting the fabrication of the goggles glass according to the invention;
FIGS. 2a and 2b are diagrams used to explain the functioning of the micro-lens network which makes up the third layer of material according to the invention;
FIGS. 3a, 3b and 4 are diagrams used to explain the functioning of one specific embodiment of the screen which makes up the first layer of the material according to the invention;
FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-section of a goggles glass using the material according to the invention;
FIG. 6 illustrates a method of producing the material which makes up the layer 30;
FIG. 7 is used to explain the functioning of the goggles glass according to the invention;
FIGS. 8a and 8b show the functioning of the goggles according to the invention for hip-shooting;
FIG. 9 represents a soldier equipped with the complete device according to the invention, including an individual weapon, a computer and the goggles according to the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 represents a material for the transparent part of the goggles according to the invention. The material consists of three layers 10, 20, 30.
The first layer 10 is the layer called the screen. It has two surfaces 11 and 12. One of the optical characteristics of the transparent polymer material 13 between the two surfaces changes as a function of the local applied electric field. To change the electric field locally over areas corresponding to the dimensions of an image pixel the surfaces 11 and 12 of this layer are equipped with transparent electrodes 15 and 16 constituted by a mixture of indium oxide and tin oxide, corresponding to the size of a pixel, represented by a small hatched area 14. The layout of these electrodes will be explained later, with reference to FIG. 5.
The second layer 20 has two surfaces 21, 22 and its thickness is equal to the focal length of the microlenses included in layer 30. Layer 20 is made from the same polymer (or at least a polymer with the same refractive index) as the one forming layers 10 and 30.
The third layer 30 has two surfaces 31, 32 between which is inserted a transparent polymer material 33 containing micro-cavities 34.
The micro-cavities 34 are facing each of the pixels in the screen layer 10.
The micro-cavities are filled with a liquid 37 whose refractive index has two values depending on the applied electric field. The first value of the refractive index of the liquid 37 is equal to that of the material 34. The second is different, in such a way as to make the cavity behave like a lens. In order to vary the electric field, electrodes 35, 36 are positioned facing each cavity. The layout of these electrodes will be explained later, with reference to FIG. 5.
FIGS. 2a and 2b represent a micro-cavity and the liquid 37 which it contains. Elongated black dots represent the molecules 38 of the liquid making up the crystal. In FIG. 2a the potential difference between the electrodes 35 and 36 positioned either side of the cavity on the surfaces 31, 32 is zero. The molecules have automatically aligned themselves with the walls of the micro-cavity 34. In FIG. 2b, with a non-zero potential difference, the central molecules in the cavity have aligned themselves perpendicular to the walls of the micro-cavity, which changes the optical properties of the liquid 37. It is this effect which is used to cause either complete transparency, or a lens effect. For the transparency to be good in one of the potential difference states, the refractive index must be equal, or at least very close, to that of the polymer material 33 making up the layer.
FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate for one pixel, the functioning of the layer 10 which makes up the screen. A liquid crystal 17 is dispersed in a polymer matrix 13 in the form of droplets whose size is of the order of a micron. In FIG. 3a, in the absence of a potential difference the liquid crystal molecules represented by elongated black dots automatically aligned themselves with the walls of the droplet; in these conditions the droplets are diffusing, and appear as bright spots. However, if a potential difference is applied across the electrodes 15, 16, the molecules align themselves perpendicular to the droplet walls (FIG. 3b), and if the droplet's refractive index is the same as that of the polymer which makes the material 13 of the screen layer, the material is transparent.
In the absence of a potential difference the pixel appears as a brighter spot.
According to a variant used in the specific embodiment the liquid crystal contains a solution of pleochroic absorbant colorants, which are colorants capable of absorbing light waves of different wavelengths. These colorants strongly absorb light in the absence of a potential difference, however, when they are subjected to an electric field, and therefore aligned, they are transparent. The pleochroic colorants are represented as small crosses in FIG. 4.
FIG. 5 represents a cross-section of a material made according to the invention. The screen layer 10, the micro-lens layer 30, and layer 20 are shown.
In the embodiment represented in FIG. 5, the screen layer 10 is made from a polymer material containing liquid crystal droplets in suspension, which contain a pleochroic colorant as represented in FIG. 4. The electrodes 15, 16 positioned opposite each other on each of the surfaces 11, 12 of the layer determine the size of each of the pixels which may be activated to create the image. In the embodiment of the invention where the material is hemispherical, the electrodes are arranged in a matrix network along the meridians on one surface and along the lines of latitude on the other. This layout is particularly well suited to a hair-line in the form of a cross. The image may be permanent and its renewal rate only depends on the movement to be given to the cross-hair.
To display images, line scanning using known procedures may be used.
Facing each of the pixels in layer 10, there is in layer 30 a controllable micro-lens constituted by one of the micro-cavities shown in FIG. 2. Facing each cavity there is on each of the surfaces 31, 32 which make up the lens layer an electrode 35, 36. These electrodes are arranged in a matrix network in the same way as the electrodes in the screen layer and synchronously controlled so that the pixels which it is desired to make visible are collimated.
In the embodiment represented in FIG. 5, the lenses are obtained by dispersing the liquid crystal in the polymer. The droplets obtained have a substantially spherical form and their size depends on the relative proportions of crystal and polymer. The polymer film is then rolled to give the spherical droplets an ellipsoid form, with the axis of rotational symmetry perpendicular to the surface of the film. The electrodes are then positioned on the outer surfaces 31, 32 of the layer.
According to a currently preferred embodiment, represented in FIG. 6, permitting a higher positioning accuracy of the cavities, the layer 30 is made from two half- layers 41, 42. Each of the half-layers has two surfaces: 31, 39 for one and 32, 40 for the other.
Cavities are regularly distributed on each of the internal surfaces 39, 40. This method also permits the electrodes 35, 36 to be positioned inside the cavities, which reduces the applied potential difference necessary to achieve the same electric field in the electro-optic liquid. Having coated the two internal surfaces 39,40 of the two half- layers 41,42 with an electro-optic liquid, the two half-layers are Joined using pressure and heat. The layer 30 produced in this way may have the configuration represented in FIG. 5 with the electrodes on the outer surfaces 31, 32 or the configuration represented in the exploded view in FIG. 6 of the two half-layers in which the electrodes are positioned on the internal surfaces 39, 40 in which the micro-cavities are moulded.
It should be noted that in this embodiment the intermediate layer 20 can consist of an over-thickness of the half-layer 41 whose surface 31 is facing the screen layer. In this case the surfaces 21 and 31 of the layers 20 and 30, facing each other, no longer physically exist.
In the preferred embodiment the material used to make the transparent face of the goggles contains a fourth layer 50 which is a filter to protect the soldier from laser attacks.
The diagram in FIG. 7 explains the functioning of the goggles. The transparent face of the goggles containing at least three layers 10, 20, 30 and possibly the protective layer 50 and being surrounded by a frame 60 is placed in the field of vision of an eye 100. When a pixel 14 in the layer 10 is activated, the lens 34 facing it is synchronously activated, so that the eye sees the pixel without having to make any focal adjustment.
FIGS. 8a and 8b represent goggles 90 equipped with a transparent face according to the invention and a frame 60 to which position sensors 61, 62 are attached. The frame 60 of the goggles looks like the frame of a pair of safety goggles, half way between welder's goggles, and a diver's face-mask or skiing goggles. The edge 69 of the frame, which does not have a transparent face and which presses against the face when it is worn, has an inflatable tube 63 along its circumference. The tube may be inflated orally by the wearer, using a pluggable tube which is not shown. The tube serves to adjust the edge 69 of the frame to the wearer's face, and to increase the volume of air between the goggles and the face. When the goggles are pressed against the face, the quantity of air contained in them is as before inflating the tube, and the goggles remain attached to the face by suction. The tube is made from a non-allergenic insulating material.
Sensor 61 is a magnetometer giving the horizontal bearing or azimuth. Sensor 62 is an inclination meter giving the vertical inclination of the goggles.
The magnetometer 61 is positioned on a flat part 65 of the upper edge of the frame. The inclination meter is mounted on a flat part 64 of a lateral edge of the frame. The azimuth and elevation data from the measuring means 61 and 62 may be transmitted to a computer 70 via a link 66.
The goggles are equipped with an adjustable support strap 67.
It is also equipped with an infrared receiver 08 whose function will be explained later.
The weapon 80 used with the goggles 90 is a normal weapon represented in FIG. 8b. The weapon has been modified to include a combined elevation and bearing sensor 81 whose values are sent to an infrared transmitter 82 positioned above the sensor 81. The sensor and the transmitter are positioned as close as possible to the muzzle of the weapon's cannon, so as to increase the probability that the transmitter 82 and the infrared receiver 68 of the goggles 90 are permanently facing each other when the weapon 80 is in the firing position.
In the embodiment according to the invention, the weapon contains a range finding laser 83 enabling the distance to be measured, and the elevation to be set as indicated earlier. Depression of a push button 84 enables the transmission of a special code from the transmitter 82 and the functioning of the range finding laser 83.
The functioning is as follows: the weapon direction data coming from the group of sensors 81 are transmitted by the infrared transmitter 82 to the receiver 68 of the goggles 90. The data, possibly also containing the designation code transmitted by pressing the button 84 and the distance of the target, are transmitted via the previously mentioned link 66 to a computer 70. The computer also receives the position data coming from the sensors 61, 62 of the goggles 90. The position data are transmitted every 30 ms. The computer calculates the relative directions of the weapon and of the goggles axis, and consequently displays the position of the cross-hair.
When the button 84 is pressed, the reception of the signal causes an interrupt which changes the calculation in progress to introduce the distance data and the prestored data relating to the type of ammunition.
The computer then calculates the angle of elevation and displays in the goggles glass the useful aiming direction by means of a symbol. The firer must then align the cross-hair on his goggles glass with the symbol.
Some possible applications of the goggles alone, with a computer are:
Visualization of an operational reality, partly or totally hidden:
combat behind an earth ridge or hill, reconstituted and displayed in the correct direction by the computer, based on data supplied by other observers (look-outs, helicopters, etc.)
internal layout of a building of which only the outer walls are visible, but whose interior is known from archived data.
Representation of "virtual reality" for applications in:
civil engineering or architecture (on-site superpositional representation of works of art or buildings to be built),
archeology (representation of the initial state of ruined buildings) with auxiliary devices equipped with direction sensors.
With auxiliary devices equipped with direction sensors the possible range of applications is:
aiming device for firing bursts from an automatic weapon equipped with sensors, for hip-firing of grenade launchers, and for mortars.
filming using a device containing a camera equipped with direction sensors.
For the cinema, permanent display of the pointing direction, and the field of view, virtual presentation of changes of scene or the cast (positions, attitudes, etc.).
For video and notably camcorders, permanent display of aiming direction and frame-size without using the viewfinder (which could enable certain tourists not to see the whole of their trip through the viewfinder of their camcorder!).
With known state-of-the-art materials, the device response times depend on the response time of layer 10 which makes up the screen. This ranges from 40 ms when the temperature is 25° C. to 200 ms when the temperature is 0° C.
FIG. 9 represents a soldier 100 equipped with a rifle 80, goggles and a computer 70 according to the invention.

Claims (4)

What is claimed is:
1. Goggles having a display face plate and comprising
(a) a first layer of transparent material having opposite surfaces, the material having its optical characteristics alterable under the influence of a changeable electric field applied thereacross:
(b) arrays of electrodes formed on each of the surfaces for generating the electric field thereacross;
(c) a third layer, spaced from the first layer and having opposite surfaces and an intermediate transparent polymer matrix therebetween in which micro-cavities are enclosed which serve as micro-lenses having optical axes perpendicular to the two third layer surfaces;
(d) the micro-cavities made from a transparent material different from that of the polymer matrix and having refractive indices which is selectably changeable in response to changes in an electric field passing between the two third layer surfaces;
(e) the material of the micro-cavities having the same refractive index as the matrix material for a first electric field value, and a greater refractive index than the matrix material for a second electric field value:
(f) arrays of electrodes formed on each of the third layer surfaces for generating the electric field thereacross;
(g) a second intermediate layer, of transparent polymer, existing between the first and third layers and fabricated from a transparent polymer;
preselected electrodes of the first layer electrode arrays having a voltage impressed thereacross for forming a reference pattern in the first layer.
2. The goggles set forth in claim 1 wherein the goggles further comprise a magnetometer and an inclination meter mounted on a frame of the goggles for sensing the direction in which the goggles are facing.
3. The goggles set forth in claim 2 wherein the goggles further comprise an infrared receiver for receiving signals, from a remote data collection point;
computing means connected to an output of the receiver for selectively transferring display data to the electrodes of the first and third layers.
4. The goggles set forth in claim 2 wherein the goggles further comprise an inflatable peripheral face seal.
US08/253,344 1991-11-19 1994-06-03 Goggles having microlenses and display element Expired - Fee Related US5379140A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US08/253,344 US5379140A (en) 1991-11-19 1994-06-03 Goggles having microlenses and display element

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9114221 1991-11-19
FR919114221A FR2683918B1 (en) 1991-11-19 1991-11-19 MATERIAL CONSTITUTING A RIFLE SCOPE AND WEAPON USING THE SAME.
US07/978,775 US5353134A (en) 1991-11-19 1992-11-19 Weapon aiming device
US08/253,344 US5379140A (en) 1991-11-19 1994-06-03 Goggles having microlenses and display element

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US07/978,775 Division US5353134A (en) 1991-11-19 1992-11-19 Weapon aiming device

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US5379140A true US5379140A (en) 1995-01-03

Family

ID=9419081

Family Applications (3)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US07/978,775 Expired - Fee Related US5353134A (en) 1991-11-19 1992-11-19 Weapon aiming device
US08/253,344 Expired - Fee Related US5379140A (en) 1991-11-19 1994-06-03 Goggles having microlenses and display element
US08/253,342 Expired - Fee Related US5386308A (en) 1991-11-19 1994-06-03 Weapon aiming device having microlenses and display element

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US07/978,775 Expired - Fee Related US5353134A (en) 1991-11-19 1992-11-19 Weapon aiming device

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US08/253,342 Expired - Fee Related US5386308A (en) 1991-11-19 1994-06-03 Weapon aiming device having microlenses and display element

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (3) US5353134A (en)
EP (1) EP0543718B1 (en)
DE (1) DE69211496T2 (en)
FR (1) FR2683918B1 (en)

Cited By (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5499138A (en) * 1992-05-26 1996-03-12 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Image display apparatus
US5923294A (en) * 1995-06-23 1999-07-13 Thomas - Csf Navigation system allowing real-time coordination of the displacement of mobiles travelling out of direct line of sight
DE10001090A1 (en) * 2000-01-13 2001-07-26 Eschenbach Optik Gmbh & Co Miniaturized optical imaging system, has two-dimensional array of individual lenses forming Galilean system formed in one piece on bearer plate so as to protrude above plate in column
US6456438B1 (en) * 1999-08-12 2002-09-24 Honeywell Inc. Variable immersion vignetting display
US6582075B1 (en) 2001-10-18 2003-06-24 Qr Spex, Inc. Eyeglass temple attachment mechanism
US20070260311A1 (en) * 1999-01-12 2007-11-08 California Institute Of Technology Lenses capable of post-fabrication power modification
US20090151057A1 (en) * 2007-09-13 2009-06-18 Stephane Lebel Reversible Strap-Mounting Clips for Goggles
US20090322654A1 (en) * 2003-12-03 2009-12-31 Nikon Corporation Information display device and wireless remote controller
EP2447757A1 (en) * 2010-10-26 2012-05-02 BAE Systems PLC Display assembly, in particular a head-mounted display
US20120249899A1 (en) * 2009-12-23 2012-10-04 Essilor International (Compagnie Generale D'optique) Eyeglass adapted for providing an ophthalmic vision and a supplementary vision
US20130021226A1 (en) * 2011-07-21 2013-01-24 Jonathan Arnold Bell Wearable display devices
US8582209B1 (en) * 2010-11-03 2013-11-12 Google Inc. Curved near-to-eye display
US8964299B2 (en) 2012-12-03 2015-02-24 Wistron Corporation Head-mounted display
USD737955S1 (en) 2013-03-15 2015-09-01 Bae Systems Information And Electronic Systems Integration Inc. Gas mask with thermal sensor
US9400384B2 (en) 2010-10-26 2016-07-26 Bae Systems Plc Display assembly, in particular a head mounted display
US9998687B2 (en) 2012-09-12 2018-06-12 Bae Systems Information And Electronic Systems Integration Inc. Face mounted extreme environment thermal sensor system

Families Citing this family (111)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5815411A (en) * 1993-09-10 1998-09-29 Criticom Corporation Electro-optic vision system which exploits position and attitude
GB2278196A (en) * 1993-05-18 1994-11-23 William Michael Frederi Taylor Information system using GPS
US7301536B2 (en) * 1993-09-10 2007-11-27 Geovector Corporation Electro-optic vision systems
US6037936A (en) 1993-09-10 2000-03-14 Criticom Corp. Computer vision system with a graphic user interface and remote camera control
US5495676A (en) * 1994-04-25 1996-03-05 Blount, Inc. Lens cap assembly and removal method
FR2722582B1 (en) * 1994-07-12 1996-08-14 Thomson Csf VISION DEVICE WITH IMAGE OVERLAY
TW275590B (en) * 1994-12-09 1996-05-11 Sega Enterprises Kk Head mounted display and system for use therefor
GB2337680B (en) * 1994-12-09 2000-02-23 Sega Enterprises Kk Head mounted display, and head mounted video display system
US6535210B1 (en) * 1995-06-07 2003-03-18 Geovector Corp. Vision system computer modeling apparatus including interaction with real scenes with respect to perspective and spatial relationship as measured in real-time
US5834676A (en) * 1996-08-12 1998-11-10 Sight Unseen Weapon-mounted location-monitoring apparatus
US5711104A (en) * 1996-12-19 1998-01-27 Schmitz; Geoffrey W. Small arms visual aiming system, a method for aiming a firearm, and headgear for use therewith
US6173239B1 (en) 1998-09-30 2001-01-09 Geo Vector Corporation Apparatus and methods for presentation of information relating to objects being addressed
JP2002537580A (en) * 1999-02-17 2002-11-05 ケント ステイト ユニバーシティ Liquid crystal microstructure that can be controlled electrically
US6864931B1 (en) 1999-02-17 2005-03-08 Kent State University Electrically controllable liquid crystal microstructures
US6986579B2 (en) * 1999-07-02 2006-01-17 E-Vision, Llc Method of manufacturing an electro-active lens
US7023594B2 (en) * 2000-06-23 2006-04-04 E-Vision, Llc Electro-optic lens with integrated components
US6871951B2 (en) * 2000-06-23 2005-03-29 E-Vision, Llc Electro-optic lens with integrated components
US6857741B2 (en) * 2002-01-16 2005-02-22 E-Vision, Llc Electro-active multi-focal spectacle lens
US6619799B1 (en) 1999-07-02 2003-09-16 E-Vision, Llc Optical lens system with electro-active lens having alterably different focal lengths
US7404636B2 (en) 1999-07-02 2008-07-29 E-Vision, Llc Electro-active spectacle employing modal liquid crystal lenses
US7290875B2 (en) * 2004-11-02 2007-11-06 Blum Ronald D Electro-active spectacles and method of fabricating same
US7775660B2 (en) * 1999-07-02 2010-08-17 E-Vision Llc Electro-active ophthalmic lens having an optical power blending region
US7604349B2 (en) * 1999-07-02 2009-10-20 E-Vision, Llc Static progressive surface region in optical communication with a dynamic optic
US7264354B2 (en) * 1999-07-02 2007-09-04 E-Vision, Llc Method and apparatus for correcting vision using an electro-active phoropter
US20090103044A1 (en) * 1999-07-02 2009-04-23 Duston Dwight P Spectacle frame bridge housing electronics for electro-active spectacle lenses
US20070258039A1 (en) * 1999-07-02 2007-11-08 Duston Dwight P Spectacle frame bridge housing electronics for electro-active spectacle lenses
US7988286B2 (en) 1999-07-02 2011-08-02 E-Vision Llc Static progressive surface region in optical communication with a dynamic optic
US7290876B2 (en) * 1999-07-02 2007-11-06 E-Vision, Llc Method and system for electro-active spectacle lens design
US6851805B2 (en) * 1999-07-02 2005-02-08 E-Vision, Llc Stabilized electro-active contact lens
US6396475B1 (en) 1999-08-27 2002-05-28 Geo Vector Corp. Apparatus and methods of the remote address of objects
US6899539B1 (en) 2000-02-17 2005-05-31 Exponent, Inc. Infantry wearable information and weapon system
US6522292B1 (en) 2000-02-23 2003-02-18 Geovector Corp. Information systems having position measuring capacity
US7031875B2 (en) 2001-01-24 2006-04-18 Geo Vector Corporation Pointing systems for addressing objects
US6569019B2 (en) * 2001-07-10 2003-05-27 William Cochran Weapon shaped virtual reality character controller
US6810293B1 (en) * 2001-07-26 2004-10-26 United International Engineering, Inc. Compact integrated self contained surveillance unit
JP2005505789A (en) * 2001-10-05 2005-02-24 イー・ビジョン・エルエルシー Hybrid electroactive lens
US20080106633A1 (en) * 2002-03-13 2008-05-08 Blum Ronald D Electro-optic lens with integrated components for varying refractive properties
US20040219961A1 (en) * 2003-04-08 2004-11-04 Ellenby Thomas William Computer games having variable execution dependence with respect to spatial properties of a mobile unit.
US7195353B2 (en) * 2003-08-15 2007-03-27 E-Vision, Llc Enhanced electro-active lens system
IL157837A (en) 2003-09-10 2012-12-31 Yaakov Amitai Substrate-guided optical device particularly for three-dimensional displays
US20050237485A1 (en) * 2004-04-21 2005-10-27 Blum Ronald D Method and apparatus for correcting vision
FR2872586B1 (en) * 2004-07-02 2006-09-29 Essilor Int OPHTHALMIC DISPLAY HAVING A FOCUSING ADJUSTMENT DEVICE
US8778022B2 (en) 2004-11-02 2014-07-15 E-Vision Smart Optics Inc. Electro-active intraocular lenses
US9801709B2 (en) 2004-11-02 2017-10-31 E-Vision Smart Optics, Inc. Electro-active intraocular lenses
US8915588B2 (en) 2004-11-02 2014-12-23 E-Vision Smart Optics, Inc. Eyewear including a heads up display
CA2586235C (en) * 2004-11-02 2014-06-03 E-Vision, Llc Electro-active spectacles and method of fabricating same
US10073264B2 (en) 2007-08-03 2018-09-11 Lumus Ltd. Substrate-guide optical device
IL166799A (en) 2005-02-10 2014-09-30 Lumus Ltd Substrate-guided optical device utilizing beam splitters
US20060190812A1 (en) * 2005-02-22 2006-08-24 Geovector Corporation Imaging systems including hyperlink associations
US10261321B2 (en) 2005-11-08 2019-04-16 Lumus Ltd. Polarizing optical system
US20070159562A1 (en) * 2006-01-10 2007-07-12 Haddock Joshua N Device and method for manufacturing an electro-active spectacle lens involving a mechanically flexible integration insert
US20080273166A1 (en) 2007-05-04 2008-11-06 William Kokonaski Electronic eyeglass frame
US7656509B2 (en) 2006-05-24 2010-02-02 Pixeloptics, Inc. Optical rangefinder for an electro-active lens
MX2008016278A (en) * 2006-06-23 2009-03-26 Pixeloptics Inc Electronic adapter for electro-active spectacle lenses.
WO2008054654A2 (en) * 2006-10-27 2008-05-08 Pixeloptics, Inc. Spectacle hinge for providing on off power
AR064985A1 (en) 2007-01-22 2009-05-06 E Vision Llc FLEXIBLE ELECTROACTIVE LENS
AU2008218240B2 (en) * 2007-02-23 2014-01-30 E-Vision Smart Optics, Inc. Ophthalmic dynamic aperture
US20080273169A1 (en) * 2007-03-29 2008-11-06 Blum Ronald D Multifocal Lens Having a Progressive Optical Power Region and a Discontinuity
US7883207B2 (en) 2007-12-14 2011-02-08 Pixeloptics, Inc. Refractive-diffractive multifocal lens
WO2008112037A1 (en) * 2007-03-07 2008-09-18 Pixeloptics, Inc. Multifocal lens having a progressive optical power region and a discontinuity
US20090091818A1 (en) * 2007-10-05 2009-04-09 Haddock Joshua N Electro-active insert
US10613355B2 (en) 2007-05-04 2020-04-07 E-Vision, Llc Moisture-resistant eye wear
US11061252B2 (en) 2007-05-04 2021-07-13 E-Vision, Llc Hinge for electronic spectacles
US8317321B2 (en) * 2007-07-03 2012-11-27 Pixeloptics, Inc. Multifocal lens with a diffractive optical power region
US8047118B1 (en) * 2007-08-02 2011-11-01 Wilcox Industries Corp. Integrated laser range finder and sighting assembly
US8100044B1 (en) * 2007-08-02 2012-01-24 Wilcox Industries Corp. Integrated laser range finder and sighting assembly and method therefor
JP2011515157A (en) 2008-03-18 2011-05-19 ピクセルオプティクス, インコーポレイテッド Advanced electroactive optical component devices
US8154804B2 (en) * 2008-03-25 2012-04-10 E-Vision Smart Optics, Inc. Electro-optic lenses for correction of higher order aberrations
US20100196859A1 (en) * 2009-02-01 2010-08-05 John David Saugen Combat Information System
US9615147B2 (en) * 2010-05-17 2017-04-04 Flir Systems, Inc. Multisensory meter system
US8172139B1 (en) 2010-11-22 2012-05-08 Bitterroot Advance Ballistics Research, LLC Ballistic ranging methods and systems for inclined shooting
KR101116269B1 (en) * 2011-05-30 2012-03-14 임도현 Lens for sight and sight system using the same
US8296991B1 (en) * 2011-07-08 2012-10-30 International Trade and Technologies, Inc. Digital machinegun optic with bullet drop compensation mount
ITFI20110266A1 (en) 2011-12-09 2013-06-10 Selex Galileo Spa "MIRA SYSTEM"
CA3167661A1 (en) 2012-01-06 2013-07-11 E-Vision Smart Optics, Inc. Eyewear docking station and electronic module
IL219907A (en) 2012-05-21 2017-08-31 Lumus Ltd Head-mounted display eyeball tracker integrated system
US20140123535A1 (en) * 2012-06-07 2014-05-08 Torrizos Delmar Thomas Small Arm Goggle Scope System
US10073201B2 (en) 2012-10-26 2018-09-11 Qualcomm Incorporated See through near-eye display
DE202014101791U1 (en) * 2014-04-15 2014-04-29 Reiner Bayer Device for event presentations in duel-shooting
IL232197B (en) 2014-04-23 2018-04-30 Lumus Ltd Compact head-mounted display system
IL235642B (en) 2014-11-11 2021-08-31 Lumus Ltd Compact head-mounted display system protected by a hyperfine structure
US10061112B1 (en) 2016-02-03 2018-08-28 Opti-Logic Corporation Optical accessory projection system
CN107466374B (en) * 2016-03-31 2020-07-28 深圳市柔宇科技有限公司 Liquid eye-shade and wearable device
US10599006B2 (en) 2016-04-12 2020-03-24 E-Vision Smart Optics, Inc. Electro-active lenses with raised resistive bridges
WO2017180184A1 (en) 2016-04-12 2017-10-19 E-Vision Smart Optics, Inc. Electro-active lenses with raised resistive bridges
US10133070B2 (en) 2016-10-09 2018-11-20 Lumus Ltd. Aperture multiplier using a rectangular waveguide
JP6829482B2 (en) 2016-11-08 2021-02-10 ルムス エルティーディー. Optical guide device with optical cutoff end and its manufacturing method
US11500143B2 (en) 2017-01-28 2022-11-15 Lumus Ltd. Augmented reality imaging system
EP3397998A4 (en) 2017-02-22 2019-04-17 Lumus Ltd. Light guide optical assembly
KR102319611B1 (en) 2017-03-22 2021-11-01 루머스 리미티드 nested facets
IL251645B (en) 2017-04-06 2018-08-30 Lumus Ltd Light-guide optical element and method of its manufacture
JP7174929B2 (en) 2017-07-19 2022-11-18 ルムス エルティーディー. LCOS illumination via LOE
US10506220B2 (en) 2018-01-02 2019-12-10 Lumus Ltd. Augmented reality displays with active alignment and corresponding methods
US10551544B2 (en) 2018-01-21 2020-02-04 Lumus Ltd. Light-guide optical element with multiple-axis internal aperture expansion
IL259518B2 (en) 2018-05-22 2023-04-01 Lumus Ltd Optical system and method for improvement of light field uniformity
US11526003B2 (en) 2018-05-23 2022-12-13 Lumus Ltd. Optical system including light-guide optical element with partially-reflective internal surfaces
EP3847500A4 (en) 2018-09-09 2021-11-03 Lumus Ltd. Optical systems including light-guide optical elements with two-dimensional expansion
MX2021008808A (en) 2019-01-24 2021-08-24 Lumus Ltd Optical systems including loe with three stage expansion.
CN113557708A (en) 2019-03-12 2021-10-26 鲁姆斯有限公司 Image projector
EP3990967A4 (en) 2019-06-27 2022-08-03 Lumus Ltd. Apparatus and methods for eye tracking based on eye imaging via a light-guide optical element
IL289182B1 (en) 2019-07-04 2024-02-01 Lumus Ltd Image waveguide with symmetric beam multiplication
BR112022009872A2 (en) 2019-12-05 2022-08-09 Lumus Ltd OPTICAL DEVICE AND METHOD TO MANUFACTURE AN OPTICAL DEVICE
EP4042232A4 (en) 2019-12-08 2022-12-28 Lumus Ltd. Optical systems with compact image projector
WO2021137228A1 (en) 2019-12-30 2021-07-08 Lumus Ltd. Optical systems including light-guide optical elements with two-dimensional expansion
CN115552171B (en) 2020-05-24 2024-01-23 鲁姆斯有限公司 Method for manufacturing composite light guide optical element and optical structure
DE202021104723U1 (en) 2020-09-11 2021-10-18 Lumus Ltd. Image projector coupled to an optical light guide element
WO2022180634A1 (en) 2021-02-25 2022-09-01 Lumus Ltd. Optical aperture multipliers having a rectangular waveguide
CN116635773A (en) 2021-03-01 2023-08-22 鲁姆斯有限公司 Optical system with compact coupling from projector into waveguide
CN116783539A (en) 2021-05-19 2023-09-19 鲁姆斯有限公司 Active optical engine
CN117396792A (en) 2021-07-04 2024-01-12 鲁姆斯有限公司 Display with stacked light guide elements providing different portions of field of view
US11886008B2 (en) 2021-08-23 2024-01-30 Lumus Ltd. Methods of fabrication of compound light-guide optical elements having embedded coupling-in reflectors

Citations (21)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2466822A1 (en) * 1979-10-02 1981-04-10 Etudes Fab Tech Modernes Head up display for aircraft - uses liq. crystal screen between pilot and windscreen to display flight information by energisation of appropriate electrodes in grid array
EP0087998A1 (en) * 1982-02-26 1983-09-07 Thomson-Csf Aiming device, especially for a head-mounted aimer
GB2146477A (en) * 1983-09-09 1985-04-17 Iskra Sozd Elektro Indus Lc matrix display
US4569575A (en) * 1983-06-30 1986-02-11 Thomson-Csf Electrodes for a device operating by electrically controlled fluid displacement
FR2577694A1 (en) * 1985-02-21 1986-08-22 Canon Kk FUNCTIONAL OPTICAL ELEMENTS AND DEVICES
US4636785A (en) * 1983-03-23 1987-01-13 Thomson-Csf Indicator device with electric control of displacement of a fluid
US4668051A (en) * 1984-01-03 1987-05-26 Thomson Csf Memory ferroelectric display addressed with AC and DC voltages
JPS62127826A (en) * 1985-11-29 1987-06-10 Fujitsu Ltd Image display device
US4701021A (en) * 1983-10-21 1987-10-20 Thomson-Csf Optical modulator
US4729641A (en) * 1983-06-10 1988-03-08 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Functional optical element having a non-flat planar interface with variable-index medium
US4731724A (en) * 1984-11-23 1988-03-15 Sintra System for simultaneous transmission of data blocks or vectors between a memory and one or a number of data-processing units
US4734228A (en) * 1985-06-14 1988-03-29 Thomson-Csf Process and device for preparing a piezoelectric material
US4789228A (en) * 1983-10-21 1988-12-06 Thomson-Csf Electrically controlled optical switching device
US4818052A (en) * 1983-07-04 1989-04-04 Thomson-Csf Device for optical switching by fluid displacement and a device for the composition of a line of points
US4850681A (en) * 1986-04-07 1989-07-25 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Optical modulation device
US4994204A (en) * 1988-11-04 1991-02-19 Kent State University Light modulating materials comprising a liquid crystal phase dispersed in a birefringent polymeric phase
US5047847A (en) * 1988-10-19 1991-09-10 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Endoscope using liquid crystal devices different in the response frequency in the image forming optical system
US5064270A (en) * 1989-12-19 1991-11-12 Thomson-Csf Optical fiber sensor
US5127990A (en) * 1988-07-08 1992-07-07 Thomson-Csf Method of fabricating an electronic micro-component self-sealed under vacuum, notably diode or triode
US5141313A (en) * 1990-06-25 1992-08-25 Leica Heerbrugg Ag (Schweiz) Apparatus for producing a collimating mark
US5281957A (en) * 1984-11-14 1994-01-25 Schoolman Scientific Corp. Portable computer and head mounted display

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH681111A5 (en) * 1990-07-30 1993-01-15 Eidgenoess Munitionsfab Thun

Patent Citations (22)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2466822A1 (en) * 1979-10-02 1981-04-10 Etudes Fab Tech Modernes Head up display for aircraft - uses liq. crystal screen between pilot and windscreen to display flight information by energisation of appropriate electrodes in grid array
US4550984A (en) * 1982-02-26 1985-11-05 Thomson Csf Head-mounted or helmet-mounted sighting device
EP0087998A1 (en) * 1982-02-26 1983-09-07 Thomson-Csf Aiming device, especially for a head-mounted aimer
US4636785A (en) * 1983-03-23 1987-01-13 Thomson-Csf Indicator device with electric control of displacement of a fluid
US4729641A (en) * 1983-06-10 1988-03-08 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Functional optical element having a non-flat planar interface with variable-index medium
US4569575A (en) * 1983-06-30 1986-02-11 Thomson-Csf Electrodes for a device operating by electrically controlled fluid displacement
US4818052A (en) * 1983-07-04 1989-04-04 Thomson-Csf Device for optical switching by fluid displacement and a device for the composition of a line of points
GB2146477A (en) * 1983-09-09 1985-04-17 Iskra Sozd Elektro Indus Lc matrix display
US4789228A (en) * 1983-10-21 1988-12-06 Thomson-Csf Electrically controlled optical switching device
US4701021A (en) * 1983-10-21 1987-10-20 Thomson-Csf Optical modulator
US4668051A (en) * 1984-01-03 1987-05-26 Thomson Csf Memory ferroelectric display addressed with AC and DC voltages
US5281957A (en) * 1984-11-14 1994-01-25 Schoolman Scientific Corp. Portable computer and head mounted display
US4731724A (en) * 1984-11-23 1988-03-15 Sintra System for simultaneous transmission of data blocks or vectors between a memory and one or a number of data-processing units
FR2577694A1 (en) * 1985-02-21 1986-08-22 Canon Kk FUNCTIONAL OPTICAL ELEMENTS AND DEVICES
US4734228A (en) * 1985-06-14 1988-03-29 Thomson-Csf Process and device for preparing a piezoelectric material
JPS62127826A (en) * 1985-11-29 1987-06-10 Fujitsu Ltd Image display device
US4850681A (en) * 1986-04-07 1989-07-25 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Optical modulation device
US5127990A (en) * 1988-07-08 1992-07-07 Thomson-Csf Method of fabricating an electronic micro-component self-sealed under vacuum, notably diode or triode
US5047847A (en) * 1988-10-19 1991-09-10 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Endoscope using liquid crystal devices different in the response frequency in the image forming optical system
US4994204A (en) * 1988-11-04 1991-02-19 Kent State University Light modulating materials comprising a liquid crystal phase dispersed in a birefringent polymeric phase
US5064270A (en) * 1989-12-19 1991-11-12 Thomson-Csf Optical fiber sensor
US5141313A (en) * 1990-06-25 1992-08-25 Leica Heerbrugg Ag (Schweiz) Apparatus for producing a collimating mark

Cited By (20)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5499138A (en) * 1992-05-26 1996-03-12 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Image display apparatus
US5923294A (en) * 1995-06-23 1999-07-13 Thomas - Csf Navigation system allowing real-time coordination of the displacement of mobiles travelling out of direct line of sight
US20070260311A1 (en) * 1999-01-12 2007-11-08 California Institute Of Technology Lenses capable of post-fabrication power modification
US7798644B2 (en) * 1999-01-12 2010-09-21 California Institute Of Technology Lenses capable of post-fabrication power modification
US6456438B1 (en) * 1999-08-12 2002-09-24 Honeywell Inc. Variable immersion vignetting display
DE10001090A1 (en) * 2000-01-13 2001-07-26 Eschenbach Optik Gmbh & Co Miniaturized optical imaging system, has two-dimensional array of individual lenses forming Galilean system formed in one piece on bearer plate so as to protrude above plate in column
DE10001090C2 (en) * 2000-01-13 2002-12-12 Eschenbach Optik Gmbh & Co Miniaturized optical imaging system
US6582075B1 (en) 2001-10-18 2003-06-24 Qr Spex, Inc. Eyeglass temple attachment mechanism
US20090322654A1 (en) * 2003-12-03 2009-12-31 Nikon Corporation Information display device and wireless remote controller
US9398981B2 (en) 2007-09-13 2016-07-26 Revision Military Inc. Reversible strap-mounting clips for goggles
US20090151057A1 (en) * 2007-09-13 2009-06-18 Stephane Lebel Reversible Strap-Mounting Clips for Goggles
US20120249899A1 (en) * 2009-12-23 2012-10-04 Essilor International (Compagnie Generale D'optique) Eyeglass adapted for providing an ophthalmic vision and a supplementary vision
EP2447757A1 (en) * 2010-10-26 2012-05-02 BAE Systems PLC Display assembly, in particular a head-mounted display
US9400384B2 (en) 2010-10-26 2016-07-26 Bae Systems Plc Display assembly, in particular a head mounted display
US8582209B1 (en) * 2010-11-03 2013-11-12 Google Inc. Curved near-to-eye display
US20130021226A1 (en) * 2011-07-21 2013-01-24 Jonathan Arnold Bell Wearable display devices
US9998687B2 (en) 2012-09-12 2018-06-12 Bae Systems Information And Electronic Systems Integration Inc. Face mounted extreme environment thermal sensor system
US8964299B2 (en) 2012-12-03 2015-02-24 Wistron Corporation Head-mounted display
TWI481901B (en) * 2012-12-03 2015-04-21 Wistron Corp Head-mounted display
USD737955S1 (en) 2013-03-15 2015-09-01 Bae Systems Information And Electronic Systems Integration Inc. Gas mask with thermal sensor

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2683918A1 (en) 1993-05-21
EP0543718B1 (en) 1996-06-12
DE69211496D1 (en) 1996-07-18
US5386308A (en) 1995-01-31
FR2683918B1 (en) 1994-09-09
US5353134A (en) 1994-10-04
EP0543718A1 (en) 1993-05-26
DE69211496T2 (en) 1996-10-24

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5379140A (en) Goggles having microlenses and display element
JP7118982B2 (en) Observation optics with built-in display system
US9323061B2 (en) Viewer with display overlay
JP2021535353A (en) Display system for observation optics
JP2022517661A (en) Observation optics with bullet counter system
JP2021522464A (en) Observation optics with direct active reticle targeting
KR101972099B1 (en) Viewer with display overlay
US5675112A (en) Aiming device for weapon and fitted-out weapon
CN104567543B (en) Sighting system and operational approach thereof
US4915487A (en) Heads up display for night vision goggle
CN115885152A (en) Viewing optic with enabler interface
US5129309A (en) Electro-optic targeting system
Rash et al. The human factor considerations of image intensification and thermal imaging systems
US5416633A (en) Twin-image binoculars
US4796040A (en) Boundary setting device
Toet et al. Dichoptic fusion of thermal and intensified imagery
WO1988010407A1 (en) Optical instrument
MAGNUSON Regaining The Night: Researchers push for advances in night vision technology
Albery et al. OPTICAL INFINITY LENS DEVELOPMENTS

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
FEPP Fee payment procedure

Free format text: PAYOR NUMBER ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: ASPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 4

REMI Maintenance fee reminder mailed
LAPS Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees
STCH Information on status: patent discontinuation

Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362

FP Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee

Effective date: 20030103